Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in many tropical regions worldwide. They grow in large clusters which hang from the top of these palm trees. As they ripen, their skins turn brown and wrinkle as more and more moisture leaves the fruit. Dates are chewy with a sweet flavour. They’re especially important during Ramadan when people practicing Islam enjoy them after long days of fasting or to celebrate a month’s end feast known as Eid al-Fitr. They are also high in some important nutrients and have a variety of advantages and uses.
Rich in Antioxidants
Dates are rich in health-protective antioxidants. Antioxidants are artificial or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of cell-damaging free radicals and the body’s ability to counter their harmful effects. It’s a precursor to aging and cell damage that can lead to disease. Dates also contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, which means they may also play a role in combating infectious diseases. Hence, eating dates regularly is a safe, enjoyable way to boost your immune system and protect yourself from disease.
Increased Energy
Dried dates are also rich in iron. Iron deficiencies are common, and many people who lack iron in their diet often experience fatigue. During moderate-to-high-intensity exercises, Carbohydrate is the primary fuel source for our muscles. The combination of high iron content and carbohydrates found in dried dates can provide a helpful boost of energy. Dates are high in natural sugars, offering bursts of instant energy that can last the whole day.
Good for the Bones
Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and all of these are required to keep our bones healthy and prevent conditions such as osteoporosis. They are also rich in vitamin K. The nutrient is a blood coagulant and helps metabolize your bones. Dates also contain boron, and research shows that boron is one of the other nutrients important for maintaining bone health.
Good for the Heart and Vascular Health
Vascular diseases are conditions that weaken your blood vessels and affect blood flow throughout your body. Dates are packed with Polyphenols, a powerful plant compound that can aid in preventing vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease. As a fruit filled with nutrients that are good for your heart, dates make a good choice for a heart-friendly diet. However, because they’re often dried fruit, dates are a concentrated source of calories, so you must be careful about how many dates you eat to keep your weight in check. Too many calories from any source lead to weight gain, which isn’t good for your heart.
Keeps Your Blood Pressure Down
Low in sodium and rich in potassium, dates are a good choice if you have high blood pressure. Potassium helps lower blood pressure by helping push sodium from your body and easing tension in your blood vessels. The American Heart Association recommends you eat more potassium-rich foods like dates for heart health.
Improves Skin Health
Dates can improve the skin and its freshness and help purify it. It can be used to exfoliate and in treating sunburn. The antioxidants in dates protect your skin from free radicals and ultraviolet rays. They can be used to treat acne and pimples and prevent skin infections that cause acne. Regular consumption of date palm extract is also scientifically proven to significantly impact the visible signs of skin aging.
Good for your Hair
Dates contain the needed nutrients to treat hair loss and other related problems. It is a natural treatment for hair loss. Experts say eating three dates daily can nourish your hair with nutrients and keep your follicles healthier and smooth. Being rich in iron, they promote blood circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. This happens as oxygen is properly dispersed to your entire body, including your scalp. This ultimately prevents hair loss and stimulates new hair growth.
Furthermore, dates are not just sugar substitutes or natural candy bars. They have actual benefits for our health. The aforementioned are just a few. They are as good for our health as they are enjoyable; eat as much as possible.
